January 2018 – Page 2 – Hunt Institute for Engineering & Humanity

January 29, 2018February 9, 2021

Eric Larson, Ph.D.

Dr. Eric Larson is a Hunt Institute Fellow and an associate professor in the computer science department at SMU. He is also a member of the Darwin Deason Institute for Cybersecurity, Center for Global Health, and SMU AT&T Center for Virtualization. Dr. Larson is a founding associate editor for the journal on Interactive, Mobile, Wearable, and Ubiquitous Technology (formerly UbiComp).

His research explores the interdisciplinary relationship of machine learning and signal/image processing with the fields of security, mobile health, education, psycho-visual psychology, human-computer interaction, and ubiquitous computing. Like most academics, he has a passion for teaching and mentoring, and views research as an ideal opportunity to instruct the next generation of computer scientists and engineers. He is in a unique role, supporting cyber-security, education, healthcare, and sustainability applications via the integration of machine learning and ubiquitous sensing, and has become increasingly interested in sensing markers of health and context awareness using commonplace sensors. His research supports many healthcare, educational, and security initiatives by creating applications that (1) manage and diagnose many chronic/infectious ailments, (2) help learners master educational topics, and (3) investigate information leakage in pervasive and mobile devices. His dissertation research has also had impact in the area of sustainable resource usage, where he created algorithms for monitoring water, gas, and electricity usage using machine learning (now a commercial product).

His work has also helped to develop applications for real time cognitive load monitoring, privacy implications of smartphones, newborn jaundice screening, and lung function measurement, among others. These projects have resulted in eight patents of which six have been commercialized by various companies including Google. He has secured over $6 million dollars in federal and corporate funding that support these various initiatives. Dr. Larson has published one textbook and disseminated his research in over 50 peer-reviewed conference and journal papers, garnering more than 3700 citations. He received received his Ph.D. from the University of Washington where he was an Intel Science and Technology fellow. At UW, he was co-advised by MacArthur Genius Fellow Shwetak Patel and IEEE Fellow Les Atlas. He also has an MS in Image Processing from Oklahoma State University, where he was advised by Damon Chandler.

When asked what motivates his work, he replied, “In my work, I hope to bridge the gap between evaluation techniques from human computer interaction and machine learning research and evaluation. Too often machine learning researchers do not appropriately scope their evaluation or use iterative HCI techniques in the design of the system. Through intersecting the research in these areas, I hope to help human subjects research become more computationally technical (in terms of the modeling performed) as well as helping to assist machine learning research in becoming more adaptive and rigorous in its application.”

When he is not working, he is spending time with his wife and three wonderful children, including bike riding, making home improvements, and drinking copious amounts of coffee.

To read more about the Hunt Institute’s work to develop future-focused solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems, please click here. For the latest news on the Hunt Institute, follow our social media accounts on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We invite you to listen to our Podcast called Sages & Seekers. If you are considering engaging with the institute, you can donate, or sign-up for our newsletter by emailing huntinstitute@smu.edu.

January 29, 2018March 7, 2022

Elizabeth Sobel Blum, Hunt Institute Fellow

Elizabeth Sobel Blum is a senior community development advisor at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, where she promotes community and economic development and fair and impartial access to credit. Her areas of focus include workforce development, health, early childhood education, community development finance and small business development. For example, Sobel Blum’s research, publications and collaborations help the Bank in its efforts to connect workforce development and health entities with the community and economic development sectors. Her publications include “Regional Talent Pipelines: Collaborating with Industry to Build Opportunities in Texas,” “Engaging Workforce Development: A Framework for Meeting Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Obligations”and “Healthy Communities: A Framework for Meeting CRA Obligations.” Sobel Blum serves on the boards of national nonprofit ChangeLab Solutions and the Texas nonprofit First3Years. She earned an MBA from the University of Texas at Dallas, an MA from American University and a BA from Northwestern University.

January 26, 2018March 2, 2022

Silvia Rivera ’18

Silvia Rivera ’18

Student Analyst

Senior, SMU Class of 2018
Cox School of Business, General Business
Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, International Studies and Spanish
President’s Scholar
Cox BBA Scholar
McLane Scholar
Research on artisan entrepreneurship and inclusive economic development

“My motivation is closely tied to my personal beliefs and life experiences. Like a perfectly functioning ecosystem, I believe that everyone and everything in this life is (somehow) connected. Growing up, a string of small opportunities opened up the world for me. The idea of giving back by creating even the smallest opportunity for someone else to improve their life, and thereby the lives of others through those they touch, is what drives me.” – Silvia Rivera

Silvia graduated from Southern Methodist University with a B.B.A in General Business and B.A.s in International Studies and Spanish. She was also an SMU President’s Scholar and Cox BBA Scholar. As a child, she immigrated to the U.S. with her family from Chiapas, Mexico and is passionate about breaking down complex issues and empowering underrepresented individuals.

At the Hunt Institute, Sylvia conducted research on artisanal entrepreneurship and empowering female artisans and assisted with the Hunt Institute’s Inclusive Economy Consortium.

While at SMY, Silvia build professional experience and developed her business acumen through case competitions, leadership workshops and summer internships, most recently serving as an Advisory intern for global professional service firm EY in Dallas, TX and Bogotá, Colombia.

Currently, Sylvia is attending Boston College where she is pursuing a Masters in Education in Early Childhood Education.

Contributors to this blog post:

Written by: Kim Strelke

Edited by: Silvia Rivera & Maggie Inhofe

Photo by: Alissa Llort

To read more about the Hunt Institute’s work to develop future-focused solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems, please click here. For the latest news on the Hunt Institute, follow our social media accounts on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. We invite you to listen to our Podcast called Sages & Seekers. If you are considering engaging with the institute, you can donate, or sign-up for our newsletter by emailing huntinstitute@smu.edu.

January 26, 2018March 2, 2022

Maggie Inhofe ’18

Maggie Inhofe ’18

Student Fellow

Masters in Design & Innovation, SMU 2018
- Student Senate Scholar, 2018
- Maguire Public Service Fellowship, 2017
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, Yale University, 2015
- Harvey Geiger Fellowship, 2015
- William F. Buckley, Jr. Fellowship, 2014
- Duncan Robinson Scholar of British Art, 2013

“I came to the Hunt Institute because I believe in design that is beautiful, helpful and accessible. There are pockets in our world, both here in Dallas and across the globe, that lack design fueled by intentionality and integrity. My hope is that the work done here can inspire solutions that can be adopted anywhere, by anyone, to make this world as it ought to be.” – Maggie Inhofe

Maggie studied Design + Innovation at SMU, a new degree that aims to teach human-centered design to students from every discipline. She first fell in love with the field of design through studying the built environment, but now enjoys studying systems and using iterative design processes on all types of projects. She came to the Hunt Institute for Engineering and Humanity because of their commitment to disrupt patterns of local and global poverty.

Maggie was a part of the Evie team in 2016 and also worked on a student housing project in Taos, NM. She was awarded the Maguire Public Service Fellowship to study modular building systems for compressed earth block houses.

After graduating from SMU, Maggie has been working as a Design Strategist for Fidelity Investments.

Contributors to this blog post:

Written by: Kim Strelke

Edited by: Maggie Inhofe

Photo by: Alissa Llort

To read more about the Hunt Institute’s work to develop future-focused solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems, please click here. For the latest news on the Hunt Institute, follow our social media accounts on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. We invite you to listen to our Podcast called Sages & Seekers. If you are considering engaging with the institute, you can donate, or sign-up for our newsletter by emailing huntinstitute@smu.edu.

January 26, 2018March 2, 2022

DeAngelo Garner ’18

DeAngelo Garner ’18

Student Intern

SMU Class of ’18
Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communications & Public Affairs
Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations
Minor in Spanish
Student Director, Rotunda Academic Scholars Program
President, Voices of Inspiration Gospel Choir
Resident Assistant, SMU Service House
Social Media & Email Chair, SMU Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA)

“It has been incredibly impactful to see the effects of my efforts within the Hunt Institute as a student. Having my hands in projects based in South and West Dallas that directly impact the lives of local residents has been an encouraging learning experience.” – DeAngelo Garner

DeAngelo Garner is a North Texas native and graduated from SMU studying organizational communications, public relations and Spanish. His drive for social impact concerning personal wellness and access and equity was reflected through his extracurricular work on campus.

During his time at SMU, he worked closely with the Office of the Provost to analyze and facilitate initiatives to help with minority retention on campus. He also worked as an Ambassador in the Meadows School of the Arts, as well as the President of the Voices of Inspiration Gospel Choir. Many of his passions have been aligned through his collaboration with various local nonprofit organizations involved in the idea creation of solutions to address community concerns within the food deserts of South and West Dallas.

His work experience and personal goals led him to the Hunt Institute, which gives him the opportunity to engage in various initiatives aimed at improving numerous qualities of human life within underprivileged communities. At the Institute, he worked to update various social media channels for many of their partner organizations. He also managed these partner organizations’ online subscriptions and worked to update the Institute’s documentation concerning its organizational structure.

When not discussing the importance of advocacy and self-care, DeAngelo enjoys playing tennis or reading a book near an open window.

Contributors to this blog post:

Written by: Kim Strelke

Edited by: DeAngelo Garner & Maggie Inhofe

Photo by: Alissa Llort

January 26, 2018March 2, 2022

Kim Strelke ’17

Kim Strelke ’17

Student Intern

SMU Class of ’17
Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communications & Public Affairs
Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communications & Public Relations
Minor in Journalism
University Honors Program member
Second Century Scholar

“I never knew how much a small group of people could accomplish until I came to the Hunt Institute. It is amazing to see all of our diverse talents come together to try to tackle problems of poverty in such a unique way. As a Dallas native, the people of Dallas are near and dear to my heart, so I am passionate about doing my part in trying to make an impact on our community.” – Kim Strelke

Kim graduate from Southern Methodist University double majoring in Corporate Communications and Public Affairs with specializations in both Organizational Communication and Public Relations. She also earned a minor in Journalism.

During the summer of 2017, Kim spent six weeks studying and working in London, England, where she interned at Stylus Media Group within their Decoded Fashion branch on the marketing team. The team worked to promote their upcoming Decoded Fashion and Beauty Summit in New York in November 2017. She used social media, website, blog posts, and email blasts to promote the event and garner media and community partnerships.

Kim has previously worked with the Hunt Institute as a researcher for food deserts. She was drawn to the Hunt Institute because of its social awareness. Ultimately, she wants to see Dallas become a more stable city, where all families and citizens have opportunity and necessities. The work the Hunt Institute does focuses on coming up with viable solutions for local communities, and Kim has enjoyed being a part of that solution.

Contributors to this blog post:

Edited by: Kim Strelke & Maggie Inhofe

Photo by: Alissa Llort

January 26, 2018March 2, 2022

Alejandro Dominguez ’20

Alejandro Dominguez Garcia ’20

Solar Energy Project Lead

SMU Class of ’20
Mechanical Engineer major
Business Administration and French minor
Engineering intern at Quantum Utility Generation
SMU Multicultural Award of Excellence
Honor Roll
Second Century Scholar
National Society of Collegiate Scholars
Hilltop Scholar
President of National Society of Hispanic Engineers

“As a mechanical engineering student of the 21st century, technology seems to be growing exponentially; however, most engineers focus on the advancements of technology and not of the human race. I am motivated to help fill this gap and make technological advancements affordable so that humanity as a whole can grow and everyone can live better lives.” – Alejandro Dominguez Garcia

Alejandro graduated from Southern Methodist University with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and Minor in Business Administration and French. He was also an SMU Hilltop Scholar, Second Century Scholar, and President of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers.

He was born in Mexico City, Mexico and moved to the United States with his family as a child. He is passionate about the aerospace and energy industry and how to use these fields to help the progression of humanity. Alejandro conducted research for the Hunt Institute on 3D printed Hydroponic and Aeroponic systems that increased efficiency and lowered the cost of Urban Farming.

While at SMU, he built professional experience through summer internships, most recently serving as an Mechanical Engineering Intern for the energy and utilities company Quantum Utility Generation in Houston, TX.

After graduating from SMU, Alejandro has been working as a Mechanical Engineer at BP.

Contributors to this post:

Written by: Kim Strelke

Edited by: Alejandro Dominguez Garcia & Maggie Inhofe

Photo by: Alissa Llort

To read more about the Hunt Institute’s work to develop future-focused solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems, please click here. For the latest news on the Hunt Institute, follow our social media accounts on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. We invite you to listen to our Podcast called Sages & Seekers. If you are considering engaging with the institute, you can donate, or sign-up for our newsletter by emailing huntinstitute@smu.edu.

January 26, 2018March 2, 2022

Wendy Alyea ’18

Wendy Alyea ’18

Student Analyst

Environmental Engineering Graduate Student in SMU 4+1 program
Engineering Fellows Scholar
Provost Scholar
Chi Epsilon American Society of Civil Engineers
Student Project Lead for the Taos Project: Site Evaluation
Member of the Evie Project Phase II: Optimization in Growing
Research in environmental assessments and alternative growing systems

“Learning about the impacts of human industrialization and fragility of many environments, I wanted to promote human interaction with nature without the effect of damaging the environment. I get to incorporate my skills as an environmental engineer and my passion for site evaluation and habitat restoration into my projects at the Hunt Institute.” -Wendy Alyea

Wendy Alyea graduated from SMU studying for a Master in Environmental Engineering through the SMU 4+1 program. She received previous degrees in May 2017, a B.S. in Environmental Engineering and a B.A. in Chemistry, with completion of her undergraduate studies at SMU. During undergrad, she studied classics for a semester abroad at Trinity College Dublin in Ireland. Her graduate degree will be completed in May 2018.

Wendy began working with the Hunt Institute in fall of 2013 in conjunction with an Engaged Learning project on aquaponics. When the mentor for her Engaged Learning project left for sabbatical, Dr. Eva Csaky volunteered to become her new mentor. Through this partnership, Wendy produced a paper on waste optimization alternatives, an instruction manual for aquaponics, gardening, and composting, and a case study on aquaponics system failure. She worked on the Evie Phase I and II projects and the community garden.

Wendy was also the student lead on site evaluation for the Taos project at the SMU-in-Taos campus. This involved an environmental assessment to determine the impact of material collection at one site on campus and construction of an earthen brick structure at the second site.

Wendy interned for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 office in the water enforcement division and at MWH Global, now a part of Stantec, in the water and wastewater design branch in Dallas, TX. Between Fall 2016 to Spring 2017, Wendy also completed a senior design project to determine grit removal technology for the Village Creek Water Reclamation Facility in Fort Worth, TX.

Contributors to this post:

Written by: Kim Strelke

Edited by: Wendy Alyea & Maggie Inhofe

Photo by: Alissa Llort

To read more about the Hunt Institute’s work to develop future-focused solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems, please click here. For the latest news on the Hunt Institute, follow our social media accounts on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. We invite you to listen to our Podcast called Sages & Seekers. If you are considering engaging with the institute, you can donate, or sign-up for our newsletter by emailing huntinstitute@smu.edu.

January 26, 2018March 2, 2022

Alec Maulding ’19

Alec Maulding ’19

Student Analyst

Member of the Evie Project Phase II: Optimization in Growing
Aspires to hold a management position in the construction industry
Will graduate with Honors in the Liberal Arts with a Bachelor of Science in Math and Mechanical Engineering with a Biomedical specialization
Engineering Tech with the Texas Department of Transportation’s Project Management Office
Second Century Scholar
SMU Discover Scholar

“The Hunt Institute found me under the sun, digging in the dirt. I was looking for opportunities to learn outside of the classroom, and one of those opportunities presented itself as a project to build a community garden on the outskirts of the SMU campus. In one afternoon and with a few pair of hands, an empty lot was transformed into a place of growth and community. I couldn’t have planned a better introduction to the Hunt Institute; although each member may not be an engineer by title, they are all, in a sense, biological engineers, or those who understand and utilize the natural processes by which small seeds, whether they be designed to grow in the soil or the mind, eventually bear an abundance of good fruit.” – Alec Maulding

Alec Maulding was a student analyst in the Hunter and Stephanie Hunt Institute for Engineering & Humanity in the Lyle School of Engineering. He graduated with the SMU class of 2019 with Honors in the Liberal Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Math and Mechanical Engineering.

Alec started his training for a construction management position with the basics; he spent a summer working as a laborer for a local construction company, Myers Concrete Construction, near his hometown of Buda, Texas. The following summer, Alec worked as an Engineering Tech for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) in the Transportation Planning & Programming (TPP) division. Specifically, Alec assisted members of the relatively young Project Management Office. His work focused on the standardization and implementation of best practices by TxDOT’s project managers across the state. In this way, Alec has a foundation on which to build his career in construction.

In Alec’s first semester with the Hunt Institute in the Fall of 2017, he joined the second phase of the Evie project, in which he works to implement solar energy technology to make Evie a net-zero consumer of energy.

Alec was a recipient of SMU’s Second Century Scholar scholarship award, as well as the Lyle School of Engineering’s Discovery Scholarship. He was a member of Tau Beta Pi, Pi Tau Sigma, and The National Society of Collegiate Scholars. He was also a member of the SMU chapter of Engineers without Borders.

Contributors to this post:

Written by: Kim Strelke

Edited by: Alec Maulding & Maggie Inhofe

Photo by: Alissa Llort

January 26, 2018March 2, 2022

DeVincent Martin ’18

DeVincent Martin ’18

Consultant

SMU Class of ’18, Graduate Student
Masters in Sustainability and Development
US Army Veteran
B.A. in Environmental Studies/Biology from Austin College
Geo-mapping current and potential community gardens in South Dallas
Consultant, Restorative Farms in South Dallas
Member, Alpha Chi Honor Society at SMU

“Fighting for that which cannot defend itself is what I have learned defines me. You do not need war to have something worth fighting for. I choose to fight for socioeconomically oppressed people, locally, statewide, nationally and internationally. I choose to fight for protection of the air we breathe, the water we drink and the salt water that harbors life we have yet to discover. I choose to fight against the displacement of indigenous people and the loss of biodiversity caused by deforestation for cash crops like palm oil. I choose to fight against childhood hunger and the millions of children that go hungry in America daily. I choose to fight the fashion industry’s waste and their use of children to make garments. I choose to fight the meat industry for their mistreatment of animals. I choose to fight the agriculture industry because of their chemical uses on crops and their ocean dead zone consequences. Speaking as a war veteran, there is no real need for fighting among nations, but there is plenty worth fighting for in this world.” – DeVincent Martin

DeVincent graduated from SMU earning his Masters in Sustainability and Development. He is a US Army Veteran who served as a Radio Telephone Operator with 3rd Armored Division 4/18 Infantry during Desert Storm. Through the Veterans Administration Vocational Rehabilitation Program, DeVincent received his AA in General Studies from Collin College in May of 2013 and his B.A. in Environmental Studies/Biology from Austin College in May of 2016. DeVincent left the Vocational Rehabilitation Program in 2016 to continue his education through the Lyle School of Engineering Sustainability and Development Program. He was inducted into the Alpha Chi Honor Society at SMU in the Fall of 2017, and will complete his graduate degree in May 2018.

DeVincent came to the Hunt Institute when his graduate adviser, Dr. Quicksall, realized that his passion for sustainable development of healthier food options within the so-called food desert of southern Dallas region was similar to work already being done through the Hunt Institute. Under the guidance of his mentors, Dr. Owen Lynch and Professor Jessie Zarazaga, DeVincent worked on geo-mapping the current and potential community gardens in South Dallas to gather data about produce yields and options for increasing their production. His geospatial data will provide networking, collaborating, and potential expansion opportunities for the non-profit community gardens in South Dallas. In addition, the data collected will provide a baseline for urban agriculture investment opportunities for profit within the often-neglected South Dallas area.

DeVincent plans to research how using commercial urban agriculture to apply alternative food production techniques can aid in minimizing the food desert in southern Dallas, and add to economic and community development within the area by employing locals. By using company tax dollars to contribute to local community gardens, he aims to reduce the carbon footprint from transportation, reduce water usage and reduce electricity needed to run an urban agriculture company in Southern Dallas.

DeVincent worked with Restorative Farms in South Dallas to help initiate a pilot seedling farm at the MLK Center, which will provide seedlings to the local community gardens. The program plans to minimize one of the most tedious and unsuccessful stages of growing produce — seed to seedling stage. By providing the gardens with seedlings, the produce yields are expected to increase. On top of that, by providing seedlings and training, the program expects non-profit gardens to become sustainable and potentially expand.

Contributors to this post:

Written by: Kim Strelke

Edited by: DeVincent Martin & Maggie Inhofe

Photo by: Alissa Llort